At an auction, a young woman pleads that a necklace is her mother's heirloom and begs bidders to stop. Axel (Mr. Wilder) repeatedly outbids rivals with "blank checks"; the auctioneer says his boss is determined to get it for "the woman he loves most." The owner refuses the purchased gift, insisting she won't accept money and that she wants him to like her. After Axel wins, a child runs in: "Mom, I finally found your favorite necklace." Axel is told he has only four chances left, leaving his next move unresolved.